The

Year

of the

Poet II

December 2015

The Poetry Posse

inner child press, ltd.

The Poetry Posse 2015

Jamie Bond Gail Weston Shazor Albert ‘Infinite the Poet’ Carrasco Siddartha Beth Pierce Janet P. Caldwell Jackie Allen Tony Henninger Joe DaVerbal Minddancer Neetu Wali Shareef Abdur – Rasheed Kimberly Burnham Ann White Keith Alan Hamilton Katherine Wyatt Fahredin Shehu Hülya N. Yılmaz Teresa E. Gallion William S. Peters, Sr.

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General Information

The Year of the Poet II November Edition

The Poetry Posse

1st Edition : 2015

This Publishing is protected under Copyright Law as a “Collection”. All rights for all submissions are retained by the Individual Author and or Artist. No part of this Publishing may be Reproduced, Transferred in any manner without the prior WRITTEN CONSENT of the “Material Owners” or its Representative Inner Child Press. Any such violation infringes upon the Creative and Intellectual Property of the Owner pursuant to International and Federal Copyright Laws. Any queries pertaining to this “Collection” should be addressed to Publisher of Record. Publisher Information

1st Edition : Inner Child Press : [email protected] www.innerchildpress.com

This Collection is protected under U.S. and International Copyright Laws

Copyright © 2015 : The Poetry Posse

ISBN-13 : 978-0692569849 (Inner Child Press, Ltd.) ISBN-10 : 0692569847

$ 12.99

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Dedication

This Book is dedicated to Poetry . . . its Patrons, the Spirit of our Everlasting Muse & the Power of the Pen.

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Poets . . . sowing seeds in the Conscious Garden of Life, that those who have yet to come may enjoy the Flowers.

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Foreword

Coming to the end of 2015, it is wonderful to see poetry alive and well within the pages of the Year of the Poet anthologies put forth by Inner Child Press.

As you read through each monthly volume, you enter upon a journey traversing an amazing landscape of creativity and talent. The beauty, love, pain, and sacrifice found within these poems are a timeless gift to humanity. A sharing of thoughts, ideas, and emotions, to ponder and relish in. Coming together as a family, The Poetry Posse endures in its efforts to enlighten and engage the reader’s imagination through poetry.

I am humbled and blessed to be a part of this family as our journey continues into 2016. I look forward to the delightful wonders of the written words being created by myself and my poetic brothers and sisters.

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Our journey continues….

Blessings and Love

Tony Henninger

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Preface

Dear Family, Friends and Readers,

As we approach the close of another year, i must reflect on the magnificence of this journey with The Poetry Posse to produce a monthly issue each month of The Year of the Poet. We are now closing up our 2nd year and are eagerly looking forward to 2016.

In speaking for the collective known as The Poetry Posse, we are honored and blessed to be able to share our words with you each month. As you are aware of, we also have the pleasure of featuring three additional Poets each month. All entries, features and regulars share with you their Bio, their Picture and 3 of their Poems. This affords all readers to get to know the Poets on a more intimate basis.

Our mission to be more inclusive of Readers and Writers each month since January 2014 has been met globally with warm embraces and an abundance of requests to take part in this venture. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate everyone. What we did do for our readership is make every single issue available as a FREE Download at the Inner Child Press Web Site : www.innerchildpress.com. ix

Also, print copies are available at a nominal cost of $5.00 for the year of 2014 and $7.00 for 2015 & 2016.

At this time i wish to express my personal gratitude to all the participants past, present & future who have share their thoughts and emotions with us all. Also, as time always ushers forth change, i wish to acknowledge all of our past Poetry Posse members and introduce you to the new. Our line up for this coming year of 2016 is as follows : Gail Weston Shazor Shareef Abdur Rasheed Tony Henninger Teresa E. Gallion Dr. Hulya N. Yilmaz Dr. Kimberly Burnham Katherine Wyatt Ann J. White Jackie Davis Allen Keith Alan Hamilton Joe DaVerbal Minddancer Janet P. Caldwell Alan W. Jankowski Albert Carrasco Regina A. Walker Geri Algeri Demetrios Trifiatis Alan W. Jankowski Hrishikesh Padhye William S. Peters, Sr.

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We are looking towards a great year. We also have planned a very special “Love Offering” which will be a book of love poetry to be published for Valentine’s Day 2016. Stay tuned.

In closing, again i say to all who have touched upon, took part and influenced our poetic journey ... Thank you all for the love.

Bless Up

Bill

PS Do Not forget about the World healing, World Peace Poetry effort.

For more Information go to :

www.worldhealingworldpeacepoetry.com

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Thank God for Poetry otherwise we would have a problem !

~ wsp

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Table of Contents

Dedication v Foreword vii Preface ix

The Poetry Posse

Gail Weston Shazor 1 Janet P. Caldwell 9 Jackie Davis Allen 15 Tony Henninger 23 Joe DaVerbal Minddancer 29 Shareef Abdur – Rasheed 35 Kimberly Burnham 43 Ann J. White 49 Keith Alan Hamilton 55 Katherine Wyatt 67

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Table of Contents . . . continued

Fahredin Shehu 75 Hülya N. Yılmaz 81 Teresa E. Gallion 89 William S. Peters, Sr. 95

December Features 103

Kerione Bryan 105 Michelle Joan Barulich 111 Neville Hyatt 117

Other Anthological Works 123

World Healing, World Peace 166

xiv

Poets, Writers . . . know that we are the enchanting magicians that nourishes the seeds of dreams and thoughts . . . it is our words that entice the hearts and minds of others to believe there is something grand about the possibilities that life has to offer and our words tease it forth into action . . . for you are the Poet, the Writer to whom the Gift of Words has been entrusted . . .

~ wsp

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The

Year

of the

Poet II

December 2015

The Poetry Posse

inner child press, ltd.

xvii

Poetry succeeds where instruction fails.

~ wsp

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xix

Gail Weston Shazor

The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

2 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

This is a creative promise ~ my pen will speak to and for the world. Enamored with letters and respectful of their power, I have been writing for most of my life. A mother, daughter, sister and grandmother I give what I have been given, greatfilledly.

Author of . . . "An Overstanding of an Imperfect Love" & Notes from the Blue Roof available at Inner Child Press.

www.facebook.com/gailwestonshazor www.innerchildpress.com/gail-weston-shazor [email protected]

3 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Watchnighting

I fell in love with my family Every holiday passing The turbulent feeling Of hoping I had grown enough Or learned enough To be seen and heard

The women sat on the sofa plastic Recounting the entire year Of losses and gains Triumphs and failures Of those absent and Those sitting across the room

I always felt sorry for those Who were in between the Old enough to join in And still to childish to play I wonder how they felt Having their lives Decided at family council

The boys gathered in the yard Around the menfolk Hearing mentalk and Having their mettle tested With mendrink and mensmoke For the receiving of instructions

4 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

I would drift from door post To lintel, listening For the smallest Shouldn't be heard thing Marveling at their singsong Way of laughing Of praying

I could feel loved and safe Knowing they watched the night For more than the turning of the year.

5 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Resolution

I resolve Nothing at all There will be no Verses written about anything That will cause you to think Or take action on a cause Or stop the water over a causeway From causing a major disaster Of unknown causes The causality of no resolution Is intentionally casual And I apologize upfront Because I realize how unfair This causes you to feel About just what it is You need to be resolving To do in this new year Fraught with the dangers Of no place to send Your hard earned dollars So you can feel down for the cause Because it is useful In establishing Your sensitivity to the resolution And the revolution of whatever It is that I tell you to do So in this new year I resolve nothing at all For you Or for me I will be too busy doing something!

6 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Again~Senryus

I am not afraid Of gaining another year My days wait for grace

In lunar moments I can see my ancestors Twinkling in the sky

My mind is girded In the passing of wisdom From both my parents

It is ever this That I pass down to my own Shining legacy

Closing out a year I am assured that I lived My very best life.

7

Janet Perkins Caldwell

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The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

10 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Janet P. Caldwell has been writing for 40 years and has been published in print newspapers and held a byline in a small newspaper in TX. She also has contributed to magazines and books globally. She has published 3 books, 5 degrees to separation 2003, Passages 2012, and her latest book Dancing Toward the Light . . . the journey continues 2013, and contributed to countless anthologies yearly. She is currently editing her 4th book, written and to be published 2015. All of her Books are available through Inner Child Press, along with Fine Book Stores Globally.

Janet P. Caldwell is also the Chief Operating Officer of Inner Child, which includes the many Inner Child Facebook groups, Inner Child Newspaper, Inner Child Magazine, Inner Child Radio and The Inner Child Press Publishing Company.

To find out more about Janet, you may visit her web-site, Face-book Fan Page and her Author page at Inner Child Press. www.janetcaldwell.com https://www.facebook.com/JanetPCaldwell http://www.innerchildpress.com/janet-p- caldwell.php

11 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Consider This . . .

As we come to the close of another year it may feel like the world has gone mad. The terror in the streets is all over the world power, death and greed are on the tongues of every man. What can we do, seems to be the cry of every being, it's all so demeaning.

Consider this, did God not deliver you from seemingly impossible trials? Didn't he carry you, when you couldn't walk another mile. Didn't he send teachers, healers and comforters when you suffered confusion, illness of the body and mind? He'll do it again and has time after time.

When we are ready to let go of fear, revel in marvelous works and dance once again. We will feel the dread melting away the chaos sloughing off like dead skin and falling harmlessly to the ground. Let us not pick it up again, instead trust, be positive call on your angels or guides to lift you up.

Turn off the news, it IS the very appearance of evil shun it, you cannot trust them anyway they are bought and paid for. Turn away, turn away . . . pick up your favorite inspirational source and cleanse your mind.

Now, consider this . . .

12 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

A Different Kind of Year

It was a different kind of year. In spite of worldly things I didn't seem to stress or live in constant fear.

I let go of so many things. Lies that I told myself and the ones told to me. I found myself finding me.

I had a great time traveling afar meeting my brothers from Kosovo.

I remembered how much I love you. The smile in your eyes said you love me too. We talked and we sang, played games like teenagers in love.

We ate grapes and loved hard. Letting go of nonsense. Accepting the things we cannot change gave to us, a fresh breath of air so that we could breathe again.

It has been a different kind of year.

13 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

In Spite of it All

In spite of it all it's getting better and going to continue on this upswing.

You see, I refuse to give in to negative speak. To create more unbearable things.

I am the master of my Universe and it is a lovely one. I am creating peace, love and humanity by sharing love and oneness in spite of all things.

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Jackie Allen

The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

16 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

My name is Jacqueline D. Allen, otherwise known as Jackie. I grew up in the Cumberland Mountains of Appalachia, one of ten children. As a child, of a coal miner and a stay at home mother, I told stories at night to my younger siblings in an attempt to lull them to sleep. That was the tool I used so that I might return to my homework, uninterrupted. Much to my delight they begged me to bring the "books" home so that they could see the pictures for themselves. As delighted as I was that they loved my stories, it was difficult to endure the disappointment on their faces when I told them the truth: I had made up all of the stories that they had so loved.

Many years after those early seeds of story telling began, after college, after work, after raising my children, I began to write poetry. I find writing poetry the creative fabric from which I am able to weave whole cloth from both truth and fiction. Inspired by real life events, memory, imagination and enhanced by the sheer joy of playing with words, my poetry satisfies my need to be creative.

And, if ever there are days when I wonder why it took so long for the writer in me to reveal itself, I simply pick up my pen, or in most cases, go to the computer, and begin writing yet another poem.

17 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Embracing the Gift

You are my love, or once you were. What happened is that fear grew, and intimidation took it’s place. With dreams unfulfilled and extinguished, will hope rekindle my gift’s potential?

This gift that I have now expressed from within splashes upon the canvas until, I, with paint and brush am exhausted, the picture not complete, still unfinished.

You are my love, and still are. The seed of desire emerges leaps over hurdles ignores intimidation when picking up the brush again I dip into the paint of my gift’s reawakening.

This gift that I have now joyfully finds expression with bursts of exuberant color across and within the canvas of life. Embracing the who I am, once again, I am motivated to paint and to create.

18 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Mortality’s Stones and Bones

Some saved, stacked up, fashioned into four tall walls; a tall copper roof, an iron bell, pulled by rope hand-braided; blistered, abraded, bruised pulling with strain, its ring amusing, defying gravity, a child's fantasy wishing-wings fly, hopes to sail.

Rough, chiseled notes, cut, each holding history unable to speak, mute,; oh, the stories they refuse to reveal. Lying within, embracing bone to dust, toils expire, so too life 's breath lost, fossilized implements replace the pace.

By demand, doors open; come, enter, sit and listen, slip or slide, a carpet awaits polished, waxed floors, red. A rustling of leaves, a snow storm falls, a mountain's hollow replaces the stained glass, those in front or by the door; ponder now, ways more peaceful to provide~ by what method, to the One above, I think it matters not as long as if by Love.

19 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

A Christmas Tree’s Lament

Once I grew in lonely meadow, far~ waiting for maturity to grow my youth until one day I was chosen to be the one~ severed, bundled up and tied and tossed into the back of a truck.

Now deposited amongst the others, I wait again, enduring the comments no one likes to hear, too tall, too fat, too skinny, not tall enough, until I hear, “That’s the one!”

As I am nourished and adorned my brilliance fills the darkened corners with raiment both old and new. Recalling treasured memories past and welcoming the new, I now stand proudly accepting all compliments.

The anticipated day arrives either midnight or sunrise, as the focus shines more brightly at what is beneath, ripped and torn, Shouts of joy and looks forlorn I am reminded that I am about to die. My arms how they droop, like branches they swoop down by my side

20 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015 as needles prick and glide to where anticipated joys no longer reside. My time is over, my sap is spent. Now I await recycling's intent.

I rose from lonely meadow, elevated above all the others, thrilled to have been chosen, selected as the best of all, but now I am once again, undressed and tied up returning to the earth in the back of a truck.

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Tony Henninger

The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

24 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Tony Henninger is the current president of The Permian Basin Poetry Society of Texas in West-Texas. His first book, “A Journey of Love”, is a collection of love poems dedicated to his wife Deanne and is available at InnerchildPress.Com and Amazon.com.

He has been published in several anthologies including: Permian basin and Beyond 2014, We are the 500 (West Texas poets), Hot Summer Nights 2013 and 2014 editions, and World Healing/World Peace. He is, also, one of the co-authors of the 12 volume Anthology “Year of the Poet 2014” at Inner Child Press.

He is currently working on his second book of poetry to be published in early 2015.

Born in Frankfurt, Germany and growing up in Colorado, He now resides in Texas.

Tony Henninger on Facebook

Tony Henninger at Linkedin.com

Tony Henninger at Permian Basin Poetry Society @gmail.com.

25 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

On New Year’s eve, please stop and think. A moment of silence. Put down your drink.

As you celebrate and give best wishes all around, please remember, there are still bombs dropping to the ground.

Think about our tomorrow and that we might bring goodwill and happiness to all in the song we will sing.

We could sing it all year long to make the world a better place and make this world a home

for everyone.

26 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Where are the rainbows? Where are the smiles of the children? Are they all lost in the flames of the bombs that killed them?

An innocent life lost takes a part of everyone. The pain can never go away. The harm can never be undone.

There is a baby down the street crying and all alone. Held in its dead mother’s arms and a long way from home.

I see people walking by seemingly numb and uncaring. More likely, too afraid to stop, for someone may be watching.

Some bury their heads in their hands. Some just stand idly by. Some fear to face the evil there. Some wish it would hurry up and die.

And so, the child cries on and on. Totally ignored and unheard. No one see that its light is the light of the world.

27 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

STOP ASKING “WHEN”

A new year is on its way and I pray with all of my heart for it to be brighter than the last. We’ve buried the light of this world a little deeper each day, must we keep on reliving the past? So many have died by their brother’s hands. I don’t know how much more this world can withstand.

So many tears are flowing in unjust rivers of pain, The blood of the innocent falls upon us like rain.

Are we not civilized? Are we not men? If we want to make a change, we must stop asking “when”.

The “when”, must be “now”. And I look to the new year. It is time to dig up the light, time to listen and hear.

“WAKE UP!” all you people. “WAKE UP!” your hearts and souls. It will take all of us to make this world whole

again.

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Joe DaVerbal MindDancer

The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

30 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Joseph L Paire’ aka Joe DaVerbal Minddancer . . . is a quiet man, born in a time where civil liberties were a walk on thin ice. He's been a victim of his own shyness often sidelined in his own quest for love. He became the observer, charting life's path. Taking note of the why, people do what they do. His writings oft times strike a cord with the dormant strings of the reader. His pen the rosined bow drawn across the mind. He comes full-frontal or in the subtlest way, always expressing in a way that stimulate the senses.

https://www.facebook.com/joe.minddancer

31 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

COUNTDOWN TO 2016

Looking back on the year 2015 there were many revelations I was finally told about a lover’s deportation She was removed from my heart To make a new start She just couldn’t deal with my stagnation I’ve progressed I think when developing characters I’ve written stories that end not so happily ever after In an effort to change I added more emotion to the names Now it’s understood why there was no laughter

There’s a movement going on called Black lives Matter The death toll has risen and amongst the citizens there’s chatter The police in their haste Give the impression a black life is a waste The movement is trying to end the blood splatter Social media is getting greedier It’s taken the life out of ever wanting to meet you You prefer a status Becoming persona non gratis Forgetting how to ever be you

All this to say last year was uneventful It was but a passing of time with more of the usual When the memory fades and days blend Reflection comes harder as time passes Repetition is like flipping the hourglass Moments drop like the fine grains of sand Another year without a plan.

32 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

HOLDER OF THE FLAME

This year will be like no other I feel it’s already started I speak these words For the broken hearted And love has to look no further

Wings seem to flutter around me Like a gathering of souls drawn to the light I’ve not shone away a single one I’ve collected them all from the night

Have I gone too far to name them? Is it worldly greed to claim them? I’ve fought with sword who shamed them And they cling with fragile wing

This year will be like no other For I am Sir and Daddy dear I am ruler with lent ears I am wiper of spent tears And some will call me a fool

I shimmer in the night of quakes Not a single soul do I take Only shells unearthed by life’s wake And I shall cultivate the pearls

This year will be the harvest For I have planted the seeds And love shall leave me again For there are no good deeds Smoke billows up from the wick

33 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

A CALL TO ARMS

We carry the strongest weapon around The life we’re living was all written down Stone tablets to Dead Sea scrolls Every nuance of life has been foretold The Bible and Quran for life’s survival Hieroglyphics on ancient temples

Even the constitution With its diluted sequences The law as it were was written in pen From a babies formula To a test on how normal you are All scribbled on the page

This is how we engage our outrage Only the written word can be heard Shouting and fist Bullets that miss The innocent feel the sting Only the misguided Feels violence will solve everything

Voicing ones opinion when the world is deaf Even the blind can see The more that is written in lieu of violence The closer we are to being free.

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Shareef Abdur Rasheed

The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

36 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Shareef Abdur-Rasheed, AKA, Zakir Flo was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. His education includes Brooklyn College, Suffolk County Community College and Makkah, Saudi Arabia. He is a Veteran of the Viet Nam era, where in 1969 he reverted to his now reverently embraced Islamic Faith. He is very active in the Islamic community and beyond with his teachings, activism and his humanity.

Shareef’s spiritual expression comes through the persona of "Zakir Flo". Zakir is Arabic for "To remind". Never silent, Shareef Abdur-Rasheed is always dropping science, love, consciousness and signs of the time in rhyme.

Shareef is the Patriarch of the Abdur-Rasheed Family with 9 Children (6 Sons and 3 Daughters) and 42 Grandchildren (24 Boys and 18 Girls).

For more information about Shareef, contact or follow him at :

http://www.facebook.com/shareef.abdurrasheed1 http://zakirflo.wordpress.com/ http://www.innerchildpress.com/shareef-abdur-rasheed.php https://www.facebook.com/pages/Muslim-Writers- Forum/370511683056503

37 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015 cycles.., go round ' n ' round like merry go rounds such it is with periods measured in words that sound like seconds,minutes, hours,days,weeks,months, years and we say things like happy new year looking to the future hopes extinguish fears but when the new year is here your in it my dear and the new disappears so it's sounds good but merely words so it appears do we say happy new second, minute,hour,day the same way? what's a new year consist of anyway? ofcourse a ton of seconds,minutes, hours,days that as quickly as they come they go away making way for another of the same as quick as you can say good day so what's a new year anyway other then stuff we like to say is there truely substance does anything make sense

38 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015 i mean really make a dent in improving the life we spend before the angel of death delivers the end just keep trying my friends taking small,steady steps in tiny increments never mind old,new it's all time to me and you as long as were breathing there's always still time to improve always plenty to do insha'Allah you will within the time alloted to you food4thought = education

39 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015 i reflect.., i reject carnage,harage*,rage, crazed participants who kill and, maim innocents in the name of our lord who they claim to adore who happens to abore what they stand for creator of all things,everything, including humanbeings pronounced life sacred don't spill innocent blood don't kill in cold blood in the name of god above and claim who you represent did the same that's not true,that's insane Rasoolil'lah Nabi Muhammad (saw ) didn't take the name of Allah ( swt ) in vain spill innocent blood and claim he, we are commanded to from above when if your faith was true you would know Allah ( swt ) is a god of love where's your love for the creatures of the earth your lord created? who you exhibit hatred and claim in his name this is how he made it

40 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015 who are you? who propped you up and said kill,kill at will and don't stop i don't know you! be rid of you all who destroy,tear down and call yourselves true believers true indeed evil bottom feeders but nothing ever is what it seems don't think there's no organizied evil plots behind the scenes evil, dark faces from evil, dark places hidden behind a invisible screen are evil men bent on mayhem with not a drop of love in dem and nothing but deception and lies come from dem i reject dem rejection is my reflection! food4thought = education harage* = blood letting,senseless murder

food4thought = education

41 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015 relentless.., unrest permeates,saturates humanity stiefels nature with the " I hate ya " mentality this is where we are today in totality? i mean as if to say mankind will be doomed one day soon curtains come down on a empty room as dismal finality looms? isn't there room for sanity to prevail before mankind's coffin recieves the final nail? or.., do we believe or precieve the best efforts to restore peace will fail? the lowest form of beast will seize earth,north,south,west,east sun will rise and fall on disease, or malaise of hard hearts effects in fact impact on more then just body parts deminished natural flow distorts mankind's natural growth potentially leading to the demize of life as we know it eventually or do we believe this as we read this to be nothing more then conceptually? rather be blind block it from our minds eyes indefinitely comes as no suprise to me! CEEeeeeee?

food4thought = education !

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Kimberly Burnham

The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

44 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

As a 28 year-old photojournalist, Kimberly Burnham appreciated beauty. Then an ophthalmologist diagnosed her with a genetic condition, "Consider life if you become blind." From those devastating words, she forged a healing path with insight and vision. Today, a brain health expert, Kimberly helps people experience richer, more nourishing environments.

"People, who feel better, make better choices for themselves, their community and our world."

Her PhD in Integrative Medicine and extensive training in Craniosacral Therapy, Reiki, Acupressure, Integrative Manual Therapy, Health Coaching, and Matrix Energetics enable her to serve as a catalyst, gently shifting your ability to feel better physically, think more clearly, and be more creative.

A 2014 Poetry Posse member, Kimberly and Creating Calm Network's Ann White, assist small enterprises in crafting business booming words and robust social media platforms. Kimberly won SageUSA's 2013 story contest with a poem from The Journey Home, chronicling her 3,000 mile Hazon Cross-USA bicycle trip. Her poetry books include, Live Like Someone Left The Gate Open and the upcoming Healing Words—Poetry for Thriving Brains. With Elizabeth Goldstein she edited the anthology, Music— Carrier of Intention in 49 Jewish Prayers.

Experience greater health & success @ (860)221-8510 http://ParkinsonsAlternatives.CreatingCalmNetwork.com https://www.LinkedIn.com/today/author/39038923 Vision Story: http://youtu.be/JhG3-qwkvVk

45 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Last Kiss

What if this was the last kiss would it last a lifetime a kiss on the top of a sleeping child's head a passionate kiss the lover now a memorable ex a peck on the cheek of grandma now vanished from this life a kissed finger not broken after all

Kisses all relegated to memories was the final kiss imbued with enough passion healing consciousness the finality not know

Did my love fly along with kisses skimming the path warmly wrapping in memory

46 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Last Forgiveness

I am sorry not so easily said but withheld regret beads up like sweat in summer heat

Feels like daylight will last forever sun setting whether I forgive you or you forgive me

Dawn's promises don't last forever neither the pain but dies in red gold streaks moonlight leads us together towards the fire or the darkness a wintery night makes way hearts choosing the new day

47 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Drowning

Water and self-pity kill just the same

Water robbing every breath as I pull towards the surface

Self-pity robbing the every moment as I pull towards the pit

Will I break the crust? alter perspective surface for a fresh breath of air of courage of affection transforming my new year

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Ann J. White

The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

50 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Amazed and inspired by her own life, Ann White has lived the life of a grasshopper buffeted about by wild winds, yet always landing safely and creating a home wherever she finds herself.

Highlights include working with astronaut Frank Borman, sharing a hot dog with Ross Perot, enjoying a coffee with Florida Governor Chiles, and attending a ballet with Imelda Marcos. Ann has also survived childhood sexual abuse, one terrorist coup, two burglaries, one rape and countless misadventures – making her grateful for each of life’s moments.

An international management consultant, board certified family attorney, rabbi, grief counselor, and trauma chaplain – Ann has worn many professional hats.

These days she spends her time in her enchanted cottage and chicken farm by Lake Michigan in Sheboygan, Wisconsin with two very weird dogs and six quirky hens.

Ann is the author of The Sacred Art of Dog Walking, Living with Spirit Energy, Code Red – a Stress Rx for Trauma Workers, and So You Want to Be a Radio Host. She has also been featured in numerous anthologies. She is the co- owner of The Creating Calm Network Broadcasting and Publishing Group along with Kimberly Burnham.

Ann produces and hosts several programs on CCN as well as officiating weddings and distributing Young Living Essential Oils and It Works! Body Wraps.

You can find her at: www.HealthandWellnessbyAnnJWhite.com www.CreatingCalmNetwork.com

51 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Celebrations

Wrap, unwrap Tie, untie The colorful wrapping paper that looks enchanting under the tree Litters our landfills the next week, crumpled and torn, cast away A blindfold and a shout of “Surprise” would be a glorious way to announce a gift No paper, no bows, no huge garbage bags of debris lining the curbs the day after A gift of time needs no wrapping A gift of genuine listening needs no bows A gift of the coming together of friends and family needs no tags nor ties Think of the trees chopped down to celebrate the season When a potted tree could be a lifelong reminder of the joy Or a tree growing in the yard decorated with treats for the birds Sharing our love of nature and our bounty Celebrations actually need no season nor time Every morning we awake is cause for celebration Every encounter with a loved one enhances our heart Life is a joyous journey of celebrations, hugs, and life tugs. Wrap you days in the ribbon of generosity – tie it with bundles of love and Light it for the world - a bright light of Oneness for all to embrace

52 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

It’s Time

The smell of wood smoke echoes through the air Naked trees reach toward the heavens anticipating their snow sweaters Leaves adorn the footpaths creating mosaics and mounds of bejeweled litter I pause to admire the richness of their hues Sometimes I march over them enjoying the crisp crackle under foot And sometimes, like a child, I kick through the piles sending leaves a-swirl like tiny golden dancers The chill in the air caresses my skin It’s time It’s time to cast off what no longer serves me Exfoliate emotions weighing me down Reach my arms up to implore the stars to dance with me And the moon to wrap me in gold spun love It’s time It’s time to get ready for another cycle in life Time to gently cover the flower garden And my heart Time to light candles and the fireplace Time to reflect, renew and remember

53 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

The Night the Lights Went Out

Paris, the City of Lights Love, the light of the heart Hate, the darkness of the soul Beirut, Syria, Kenya – lives destroyed A global nightmare The light of love calls us to embrace each other Support each other, welcome the refugee, the homeless The war torn widows and children But hatred turns out the light Hatred makes fences and wars where there should be love In the name of God, hatred turns a cold shoulder to the weary The Statue of Liberty became a liar. Go away! We hate anyone different! We hate them in whatever country. Fear – hate – killing – righteous haters are as evil as those they call terrorists. Fear –hate – killing – the light of love is a mere flicker of hope ISIS wins when the world turns hate on each other. In America, the 1% wins when the lower classes beat each other down over scraps The only hope for the light is to face fear and open the doors of the heart to love We watch as the lights go out…. We have the power to turn them on but yet, we fight and argue among ourselves as the darkness descends summoned by fear and hatred We watch as the lights go out….

54

Keith Alan Hamilton

The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

56 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

~Keith Alan Hamilton~ is an Author who writes a spiritually philosophical blend of poetry and prose that’s often further pictorialized with his Smartphone photography. Keith is the online publisher/editor of three blogs which includes The Hamilton Gallery ~ Online.com Blog, the Keith Alan Hamilton.com Blog and the NatureIQ.com Blog. Keith is also an exhibited artist, a fervent promoter of other artists and a professional Information Specialist/Investigator (Private/Corporate Sector – LPI).

Keith firmly believes, “The true act of creating art, is for it to be used for the everlasting benefit of all humanity” by using art to create change.

Driven by that belief, Keith’s mission is within the spirit brought forth in his book series Nature ~ IQ: Let’s Survive, Not Die! to see the value of proactively working together to improve the overall well-being of humanity. So people become more willing and able to help themselves and then do the same for others. To exemplify this mission a portion of the proceeds from the Keith’s book series and his Art Store are donated to help support promising research into the cause, treatment, and management of MS, Fibromyalgia, Diabetes, Cancer, Hydrocephalus and mental conditions (Bipolar, Depression, Autism, etc.).

57 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015 if Bertie can ~ SO CAN I

This poem is dedicated to my Muse RLF as she lives the day to day struggle associated with MS and Fibromyalgia. as I ran those finishing miles …. of the Richmond Virginia Marathon this performance artist dressed in all black with a hood an artist using art to create change for all THE HUMAN RACE regardless of skin color sex gender nationality ethnicity culture or way of belief I’m running this race from start to finish to create this breathing dynamic and proactive body metaphor today for all watching to see to promote my Slavery in America Image with Words Collection ~ Virginia Edition

58 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015 exhibited in The Urban Individualists Gallery at Art Works on Hull Street in Richmond ….. my thoughts drift back to all those early morning hours how hard it was to get my old and achy arthritic body going ~ stretching it ~ twisting it ~ rotating it ~ strengthening it those 400 stomach crunches ~ drinking plenty of water ~ sticking into my mouth a vitamin and an Aleve before stepping outside into the darkness the hot to the cold I’d say to myself if Bertie can get up and moving as she lives her day to day struggle associated with MS and Fibromyalgia SO CAN I I will lose the weight improve my health I will run that marathon to show all I love THE HUMAN RACE I am living a life

59 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015 with a purpose not just living a life that spiritually the key the road the journey the race to a fulfilling and joyous life is focused on doing and giving more to others than I’d expect to receive from them

’cause if Bertie can SO CAN I

60 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015 not everything…. must end every ~ thing in Nature must end like the year does at the end of December We the people of the human-kind THE HUMAN RACE inherently grow old and tire-out eventually at the end of our lives our bodies wither away as dust under the stars of heaven we acquiesce to the laws of Nature whether it be peaceful or not ….. after our end We the people of the human-kind THE HUMAN RACE do live on though through the help of artifacts left behind for a while in the memory of those still alive

61 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015 do such endings to our human life this end somehow diminish our good deeds our contributions to the living where We the people of the human-kind THE HUMAN RACE ~ our acts our proactive manner to initiate change for the betterment of all weren’t worthy of our effort and time hold no lasting value or benefit for our kind THE HUMAN RACE that maybe we should have not done them in the first place

God bless those who do who took the chance to give back to life more than they received saw the wisdom in doing so before their end

62 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015 despite the inherent ending of We the people of the human-kind THE HUMAN RACE every ~ thing in Nature must end not everything ….

63 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015 story style poem about finishing

This poem is dedicated to my muse, photography mentor, fellow artist and dearest friend Regina Walker …. I will always be there for her as she has for me. Peace and Love ! as the days of December come to their finish I ponder the objectives I had chose to finish by the end of the year like running and finishing a marathon as a performance artist who would create a body metaphor that included wearing all black clothes with a hood which I did in Richmond VA and finishing this story style poem the last of all written for each monthly edition of the Year of the Poet II along with my other esteemed Poetry Posse social activist artists published by Inner Child Press but some objectives I did not finish

64 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015 and will have to be carried over into the ones for next year ’cause I still haven’t finished getting the tattoos on my arms and legs with words that make up the title of my book series Nature ~ IQ: Let’s Survive, Not Die! and the symbols for each book a baby ~ a butterfly and an eagle my mentor Regina Walker still has to write that article about my vision and mission for doing all the things I do…. I will never finish being there for her as she has been for me ~ just like THE HUMAN RACE the Poetry Posse The Year of the Poet some things don’t need to finish

I’m a finisher that prays not all things should have a finish however ….. I’m finished with this story style poem about finishing peace out

65 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

66

Katherine Wyatt

The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

68 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Katherine Wyatt, born in Pittsburgh, PA., comes from a family of artists and writers that date back into the fifteen hundreds. Her mother was a cartoonist whose work was published globally. Her father was a writer in the corporate world, and he started his career as a journalist as a young man. Katherine was formally a ballet dancer who was trained at the prestigious School of American Ballet and danced the New York City Ballet repertoire for many years. She then went to college and got a BA and an MA in World Religions, and MA in Humanities and another MS in Instructional Design for Online Applications. She Attended Florida State University, among other. She then taught college students for three years. Katherine has written all of her life, but mostly academically until eight years ago. When she was seventeen she began a spiritual journey that led her around the world, and to Rishekesh, India. There she studied yoga in the tradition of the Himalayan Masters. She also has spent the last four years studying the history and traditions of Native Americans, and is still learning much in this area. With a strong background in the arts and her deep interest in spirituality her poetry often reflects the human connection to the divine. Her work is inspired by both eastern and western tradition. Katherine is currently and academic writer who loves to write poetry and has two books published.

Katherine’s work can be found at Facebook as well https://www.facebook.com/katherinewyatt.trinitypoetry

She can also be found at Reverbnation and SoundCloud\ https://soundcloud.com/katherine-wyatt-trinity http://www.reverbnation.com/katherinewyatt?profile_view _source=header_icon_nav

69 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

~no longer dancing with ghosts

She found herself having conversations with him not out loud but in her mind…. as if he could hear her Catch…. he never existed Pivot…. that new plant took off so well

Focus is everything but she wonders why she still speaks to the ghost of a shadow that never existed She created a spectre she had no use for but that was then…. her only interest being Now…..

Watching them on the dance floor not choreographed but so well rehearsed they moved like water to triple phased claves of the bongos and guitars… feet moving with speed arms in flowing unison…..

Perhaps it is how lovers long to live together dancing in smooth sensual transitions it is always strange to move with someone untrained on the dancefloor or otherwise movement is kinesthetic …. non-dancers move as though they are unfamiliar with their own bones ..it makes her smile .. and grateful despite minor frustration

70 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

It is strange how we must honor all of our experiences …even though we chose to leave some things behind

She doesn’t mention his name.. or allow him in her thoughts preferring Salsa to ghosts leaving the past where it belongs dancing ….Now…

71 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

~sifting through the chocolates

One eye is open and the fog is parting sunlight streams through in colors she knows where to go to touch the sun chanting ancient words in the Circle re-membering what it is to dance ….

Ecstatic… running with the wild things

Her eyes open as gaps are closing Aligning .. moving in and out of the Vortex birthing new bliss faltering for a moment then catching pivoting and re-aligning Be(ing) fully human

“It is never finished and you can never get it wrong”

There is still more she wants devouring life like a new box of chocolates sifting through the ruffled paper surrounding each offering She never liked coconut so she walks with some trepidation reaching for the truffles… reveling in the rich flavors

Each new morning is a deep breath …. and Love is no longer a noun it is Be-ing in motion

72 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

~clearcut

There is a place in the bayous smoothed by the scales of alligators as they slide onto the land seeking sunlight and food it is where the wild things grow Across the bayou they are tearing down the trees pulling off the skin of the Mother there is no grass left they will lay sod there leaving a few noble oaks for a pleasant view Eighteen holes to play on another one just like it only a mile away Clearcut pulling off Her skin as the hippies gather round watching protesting but unheard So called “power” and influence rarely heasr the voice of something sacred Who would be imprisoned if they peeled off the skin of those in charge of “progress”? Shunka, (dog), my Beloved and I share breakfast on sacred soil learn our song and walk barefoot I wander down the gator trail to wash a necklace in the bayous It is primal ecstatic to wash mud from between one’s toes

73 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

My Beloved cooks millet and seeds mixed with sautéed pears Shunka shakes off the dust from his coat We settle in for the day And as sun sets I wonder where the gators will go when the men in plaid pants with expensive golf clubs tee off……

74

Fahredin Shehu

The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

76 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Born in Rahovec, South East of Kosova, in 1972. graduated at Prishtina University, Oriental Studies.

Actively works on Calligraphy discovering new mediums and techniques for this specific for of plastic art.

Certified expert in Andragogy/ Capacity Building, Training delivery, Coaching and Mentoring, Facilitating etc.

In last ten years he operated as Independent Scientific Researcher in the field of World Spiritual Heritage and Sacral Esthetics.

Fahredin Shehu is a highly Noted and Acclaimed World Renowned Poet, Author, Teacher and so much more. He graduated from Prishtina University with a Degree in Oriental Studies. In his continuing Education he received an M.A. in Literature. and a PhD in Sacral Esthetics.

Fahredin hails from Rahovec, South East of Kosova and has been embraced affectionately for his acutely gifted insightful poetic expressions by the Global Poetry Community. The depth and knowledge of many spiritual aspects that affect Humanity subtly shines through in his work. Pleroma’s Dew & Maelstrom are very graceful works that serves to add to the accolades of this much celebrated Poet / Author / Philosopher. http://www.innerchildpress.com/fahredin-shehu

77 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Hills of snow have luckily covered all dirt man has created while I project tiny violets and became confused with the smell. in this delirium I don’t know what to say and what to feel exactly. we became enemies without any right purpose.

So much lack of love I haven’t seen in my last 6000 years

78 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

The wine yards

Became naked November winds took all leafs away grape syrup is prepared for the guests and some meat and sausages prepared to host the winter cabbage is pickled some scones and cheese for the guest that we miss.

I fear we must buy more candles my dear TV is frightening us Again and again there are wars everywhere while we wonder which is the Abode of Love

79 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Near Christmas

Our brothers and sisters will soon celebrate Christmas Gypsies in our town collect dried wood from the forest nearby and are silent until Sun enters in the constellation of Ram

Smell of baked bread evaporates and of pumpkin on the live-coat

I hear the sounds of heavy hammer of the last blacksmith in town who produces pans for pastry and the triangle holders Yes and some candleholders too

And I bought some amphora pottery from the late Serbian crafts man and the last in town indeed for our wine to become intoxicated in I n love eternally

80

Hülya N. Yılmaz

The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

82 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015 hülya n. yılmaz was born and raised in Turkey but has been living in the U.S. as a university instructor since she earned her liberal arts doctoral degree from The University of Michigan. During her studies, she gave birth to her life source – a daughter who is now a mother herself. yılmaz authored a then groundbreaking research book in German on the literary reflections of cross-cultural interactions between the West and the Islamic East. She has a chapter published in a research book and presented her smaller scholarly projects at various national and international conferences. A few were published in academic journals.

A member of the Academy of American Poets, Dr. yılmaz authored with Inner Child Press, Ltd. her debut book, Trance. In this book of poetry in English, German and Turkish, hülya offers a venue for deliberations on identity formation and assertion within a multi-cultural context. Her narrations then alert readers to the urgent need for a re-visit to the often-unquestioned patriarchal mindset across the world. Several of her other creative work continue to appear in other Inner Child Press, Ltd. publications.

A licensed freelance writer and editor and a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association, hülya n. yılmaz served as editorial consultant for a large number of literary manuscripts, having published several book evaluations and critiques. She has also extensive experience in literary translations between English, German and Turkish in any direction – an example of which is present in Trance.

Links: [email protected] www.writerandeditordryilmaz.com www.authoroftrance.com http://www.innerchildpress.com/hulyas-professional- writers-services.php http://dolunaylaben.wordpress.com 83 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015 sans a companion has it been that long dear friend for us to don such distinct bruises we traveled great many distances together my carry-on heavy with excessive baggage at ease only once in a while wild music danced for us in recurrence how full of hopes and desires i was singing shouting screaming in silence with you listening in eager patience always knowing which tongue i uttered hearing me through roller coaster emotions it’s not at all easy this solo life but at least you are as reliable as can be making lonesome moments worth their while being inside you is an act of ultimate trust letting you lead me is no difficult feat you look rather weary under this light hauling repeated wounds aplenty on your fast aged fragile body how we both used to glow yet were dented everywhere too soon utterly humbled and grateful still for having weathered many a storm

84 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015 my cute two-door red wasn't it only in 2006 that we locked eyes at the showroom where you had finally become mine only mine

85 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015 neighbors i lost count of the days the forced move happened a lifetime ago yet they keep coming back insisting on their once-was-a home clinging on to a long lost past i don't seem to need a mirror these days nothing else to bring me to my senses anew the futile efforts of my winged tenants to hold on to their no longer-intact nest serve well as a frantic reminder how i too must let go at last

86 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

HSP* in love yearning craving aching paining grieving latching on hanging on, on and on fading dissolving vanishing departing losing deserting caressing the fear the guilt the shame the regret flickering one ray at a time

* A person who is feeling all the feelings. According to Dr. Elaine Aron, a psychologist and the author of a bestseller on the subject, the highly sensitive person (HSP) has a sensitive nervous system, is aware of subtleties in his/her surroundings, and is more easily overwhelmed when in a highly stimulating environment.

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88

Teresa E. Gallion

The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

90 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Teresa E. Gallion was born in Shreveport, Louisiana and moved to Illinois at the age of 15. She completed her undergraduate training at the University of Illinois Chicago and received her master’s degree in Psychology from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. She retired from New Mexico state government in 2012.

She moved to New Mexico in 1987. While writing sporadically for many years, in 1998 she started reading her work in the local Albuquerque poetry community. She has been a featured reader at local coffee houses, bookstores, art galleries, museums, libraries, Outpost Performance Space, the Route 66 Festival in 2001 and the State of Oklahoma’s Poetry Festival in Cheyenne, Oklahoma in 2004. She occasionally hosts an open mic.

Teresa’s work is published in numerous Journals and anthologies. She has two CDs: On the Wings of the Wind and Poems from Chasing Light. She has published three books: Walking Sacred Ground, Contemplation in the High Desert and Chasing Light.

Chasing Light was a finalist in the 2013 New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards.

The surreal high desert landscape and her personal spiritual journey influence the writing of this Albuquerque poet. When she is not writing, she is committed to hiking the enchanted landscapes of New Mexico. You may preview her work at http://bit.ly/1aIVPNq or http://bit.ly/13IMLGh

91 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Winter Reflection

Slept to night’s rainsong, woke to a white blanket covering the mountainside, reflections of winter’s first run on the foothills, rolling to high altitude kissing the clouds.

A stray gray mist wanders across the mountain. Cold tears flood the valley, winter’s admonishment to rest. We turn over in obedience. Spring snuggles in its den.

92 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Only Your Heart

The realization of being loss brings the frustration demon to your head zone, slaps you around a bit.

Sometimes your heart zone gets punched to tears and sometimes to anger. A great mask for fear ruptures in your stomach.

You yell, scream, bark at everything that crosses your fence. Lift your arms to release the puddle of grief flooding your gray matter.

Your normal acuity is broken. Unable to carry your burden, only your heart can stand up for your survival.

It is time to release those heart strings, play love songs to the universe and ride a wave of passion into a new year.

93 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Offering

Sit next to the ponderosa deep in the forest. Feel the breath of needles exhale in the air current. Get acquainted with serenity.

It is the touch of stillness that stimulates the heart. Tranquil nothingness eats tensions away.

Stay close to that tree that calls your name. It is the angel of mercy ready to offer her wings for a flight to new horizons.

94

William S. Peters Sr.

The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

96 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Bill’s writing career spans a period quickly approaching 50 years. Being first Published in 1972, Bill has since went on to Author 28 additional Volumes of Poetry, Short Stories, etc., expressing his thoughts on matters of the Heart, Spirit, Consciousness and Humanity. His primary focus is that of Love, Peace and Understanding!

Bill is the Founding Director of Inner Child Enterprises as well as the Past Director of Publicity for Society Hill Music.

Bill says . . .

I have always likened Life to that of a Garden. So, for me, Life is simply about the Seeds we Sow and Nourish. All things we “Think and Do”, will “Be” Cause and eventually manifest itself to being an “Effect” within our own personal “Existences” and “Experiences” . . . whether it be Fruit, Flowers, Weeds or Barren Landscapes! Bill highly regards the Fruits of his Labor and wishes that everyone would thus go on to plant “Lovely” Seeds on “Good Ground” in their own Gardens of Life!

to connect with Bill, he is all things Inner Child : www.iaminnerchild.com

Personal Web Site www.iamjustbill.com

97 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

sitting by the Road

i sit here by the side of the Road watching all the “Passer-bys” i contemplate their destinations and all their reasons “why”

we appear to be ‘migratory souls’ all seeking for some place to arrive looking for a temporary belonging some walk, some dream, some drive

some seem pressed and anxious their lives stuck in a ‘rush mode’ me, i am just passing through for where ‘i am’ is my abode

yet there still are times i too am expectant of what lies beyond the bend but i’ve learned that ‘Expectation’ travels with ‘Disappointment’ so i always . . . all ways seek to amend

for the road i travel has but one step it is taken one at a time only then am i consciously open for the discovery of what is sublime

sitting by the Road

98 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015 end times, new beginnings the end of another year is upon us and it may have come too fast or taken too long i sit reflecting examining the shadows left behind for my sun still shines within me i shall not ponder on the wonder of days gone by too long for there are songs to be created and sung and paths awaiting me calling for my footprints end times, new beginnings

99 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015 a different path i feel this overwhelming need to turnaround and revisit the choices i have made in this journey called life don’t get me wrong, for i am grateful for all the experiences, people and other things i have encountered, felt or thought about along the way but this path that i have been on over the 63 + years, although it had much promise, does not feel as if it is going to deliver the ultimate fruition i seek perhaps a different path is calling unto me they say “if you always want what you always had then continue doing what you always done”

100 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015 that is the definition of insanity a vanity we embrace because we have not the courage to face . . . change a sort of deranged delusional dichotomous affair with “self” where dumbed downed disdainful duplicities dump on me each and every damned day we wage wars against the “what is” while wondering if . . . . you know . . . like “what if?” or perhaps you too graduated with honors from the “Why Me?” academy as Alan titled his poetic expose’ “I Often Wonder” as do we all i guess perhaps there really is a parallel dimension waiting for me to switch trains at the next stop but when will we be arriving at the next station oh Conductor, Conductor are you too busy directing the Orchestra i have my Violin out and i wish to play a new song inspired by this poem i just wrote about . . . a different path

101 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015 crazy huh ? maybe on January 1st, 2015 i can fix this all with new resolutions just like i did last year . . . hhhhmmmm nah . . that won’t do !

102

December 2015

Features

~ * ~

Kerione Bryan Michelle Joan Barulich Neville Hyatt

The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Now Open for Submissions

go to Web Site for Submission Guidelines www.worldhealingworldpeacepoetry.com

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Kerione Bryan

The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

106 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Kerione Bryan (KTP) is a fun loving guy that is blessed with the gift of writing poetry. He is from the beautiful island of Jamaica. He is 27 years old and is currently enrolled at the University of Technology, Jamaica majoring in finance and banking. His poetry has been published 11 times in the Jamaica Gleaner. He has also had his poems aired on International Radio, Joy 1250: Christian Radio for the Greater Toronto Area in Canada and The Butterfly Effect Radio in the U.S. Kerione is the author of a poetry anthology entitled Beautiful Thoughts, available at Amazon.com.

107 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

When Poets Collide

I’ve searched far and wide to find a person like me, Someone who can foresee the person I can be. I felt alone with my deep thoughts and expression, I long for an opposite counsel of poetic intention.

Then there you were like a shooting star, Speeding, burning and shining from far. As my mortal eyes beheld your aura, we collided, Through the social network you were invited.

It was like a nuclear bomb exploded in my head, Suddenly my intellectual hunger was fed. We made gold and diamonds from our minds, Evoking endless passion with every line.

You’re like a spirit, mysterious and elusive, With elegant beauty you are exclusive. There is so much power in our union, And so much ecstasy in our fruition.

108 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

The Persian Princess

It was amazing as if you fell out of the sky, Awesomely stunning, you caught my eye. At a point where I was bored and wondering, Sitting comfortably and pondering.

But now my senses are stimulated to ecstasy, As I stared at your image endlessly. This moment was nectar mentally, Which left me thinking about destiny.

Inevitably, I want to make an offer, Gems from my most treasured coffer. But I’m not talking about daric or dollar, I’m talking about love and honor.

To keep you in a state of satisfaction, Way beyond initial attraction. To create a euphoric reaction, And that is just a fraction.

109 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

The Lord is my light

As I walk through the valley of death, With God guiding my every step, I will reject the thought to fret. With Christ in me, I will fear no threat.

The destination is in sight, I'll just follow the starlight. The enemy is trying to set traps, But the devil shall collapse.

Many devils come in disguise, But I'm blessed to be wise. I see the death of what they devise, Because I am destined to rise.

The Almighty rescues me, He will forever set me free. The best ending of any story, To God be the glory.

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111

Michelle Joan Barulich

The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

113 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Hi My name is Michelle Joan Barulich and I am currently studying the Alternative Medicine and also learning about business and finances. I recently attended a few seminars and received a few awards from this program. In the past I studied Early Childhood Education at Orange Coast Community College in Southern California. I then worked in sales for over 15 years.

I have always enjoyed writing poetry since I was a teenager and sometimes I would make my poems into songs. My younger brother is a self taught musician so we would create and write songs together. I am published in seven different poetry books with other fellow poets. The books are by Watermark Press this was in the early nineties.

I was born on the island of Oahu in the city of Honolulu, Hawaii. Our family then moved to the East Coast and then we headed to Southern California. I now am living in Reno, Nevada I work part time as a wood burning artist and I am currently studying natural ways and homeopathy medicine to help, comfort, and heal others.

114 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Iconoclast

From the words of a broken heart I have to say I haven't seen the light for a day I do not want to anyway Look around you But I will try to Between the nights I have to agree, even so The night is tied What do you see? Stars are falling in and out of time It's a journey to no man's land Back to reality, breaker of illusions I have to say People are always saying things they shouldn't say Put it away; Hide it away; And don't show it away; But judging just wouldn't be right It's like mixing day into night Thinking of love and money at times Can bring your mind into a race less fight Maybe my life right now is at a low key Or maybe it's just a case of my dark depression Someday it will be over and done ..And I haven't seen the light For a day I do not want to anyway It won't ever agree with me ever again But I will try to.... It won't ever agree with me

115 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Tears of Sincerity

..And tonight we atone The undying dreams Bottled up inside of me There must be a way The false tears falling from my eyes Tears of sincerity with agony that cries Oh, these are not false tears Falling from my eyes That people tend to show Hearts of cold and then move on once again For all the things we stood for I pray the days won't ask for more Conquest is victory so they can say Desecrate the silence All to the breathing air Consecrate the violence Leading us nowhere The false tears you see Falling from my eyes Tears of sincerity with agony that cries Oh, these are not false tears People tend to show, leading us to be Something we don't know ..And tonight we atone The undying dreams Oh, these are not false tears that you see Tears of sincerity with agony that cries......

116 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Caution

Your suggestions move me Takes me to the highest mountain Caution is not what I want to do Let's celebrate the arts Come into my reach I want to feel you I want your kisses to intoxicate me Everything is fine; Open up your mind; Let's share the wine Give me the sign Don't delay in time As I look to the streets Electric wires give me the warning But I look deep into your eyes We are ready for another love affair You pull me close I push you away You pull me close once again We start to dance And you say, don't be shy Come and dance I don't want no one but you Everything is fine; I'll be kind; Don't be blind There's no need to cry I will try to make you sigh Reach for my hand Can you hear my heartbeat? We are friends And lovers too Now is not the time to take Caution my love......

117 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Neville Hyatt

118 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

119 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Neville Hiatt is a storyteller. Be it with a camera, computer, microphone or even a pencil and the back of an old envelope. He will create for you, a world different to your own. His radio career was cut short when he was medically retired before his 30th birthday due to someone not doing an adequate head check. In the last few years he has developed his love of photography, and poetry and has just released his first collection of short stories. Left battling depression, anxiety and chronic nerve pain as a result of the accident he has become even more passionate about sharing his life experiences in the hope of aiding others in their journey.

Author of the The Bard from Ballarat series he has now been published in poetry anthologies both in Australia and USA. Writing from the heart his poems cover the pursuit and loss of love in all it's forms. Whether from his own shoes or someone else's, open the pages to get a small glimpse into a poets mind.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, what you’ve done, or what’s been done to you. It only matters what you do with your rainbow today.” http://nevillehiatt.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thebardfromballarat

120 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Flowers where are the flowers my name, well let's be real even if I told you you wouldn't remember it tomorrow as I hide in these bushes that grab and tear at my flesh I ask where are the flowers as I see my mother being raped and my father slaughtered like a ram I ask where are their flowers as bullets cut through my village like a meteor attack I ask where are their flowers you live in such safety and I'd say spend a day in my shoes except I have none, I gave them to my best friend before they took him you see he could run faster that way but they still caught him you spend more on that one bunch of flowers than my family sees in a year so I ask you, are those flowers really for them or are they for you?

121 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015

Journeys take a good long look at this guitar every nick, every dent, every scratch they all tell a story journeys of my life of friends no longer here of loves left behind take a good long look at this guitar but please be kind this is my heart, my life, my soul putting new strings on this guitar doesn’t make me whole I could sand it back and make it look like new but I'm afraid you'd still see through every nick, every dent, every scratch have a look inside each one and see a chapter of my life of dreams shattered and hopes unfulfilled but through it all there was you putting bandages on my fingers when I played till they bled pulling the covers up when I fell asleep writing a new song in your bed there for me long after the last fan had left the records and the trophies never changed a thing you were always there ready to hand me a new string

122 The Year of the Poet ~ December 2015 the promised land the promised land where dreams are reality the movies, tv and magazines all selling all giving you things to fill a hole the sex the drugs, the money, the rock and roll and I’m not talking about the ads the latest diet or hippest do dads I’m talking about what you set you PVR for I’m talking about what you ignore the phone for and behind this thin veneer are the homeless the ones that gave their all behind the fast cars, bright lights and parties the ones in a hotel room alone and cold behind the success stories, the heroes and celebrities are those making their final choice to leave the promised land behind the overnight success and the next big thing is someone holding life or death in their hands.

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